We highly recommend Berwick Hospital Center's Healthy Woman program, a free community resource designed to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed healthcare and well-being decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

Continue reading for information on domestic violence, as well as the importance of preventive screenings such as breast exams and pap smears.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If you are experiencing any type of violence or abuse, or you suspect that a loved one may be, please know that help is available. The following resources are listed for your reference:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information, and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends, and families. They offer anonymous and confidential help 24/7 at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY).

The following listings are local domestic violence programs and women's shelters:Beyond Violence serves the Berwick area. They can be reached at (570) 759-0298.The Women's Center, Inc. of Columbia/Montour serves the Bloomsburg area, as well as greater Columbia and Montour counties. Their number is (570) 784-6632 or (800) 544-8293.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A BREAST EXAM

Why should you have a breast exam done?By doing monthly self-exams and routine mammograms along with breast exams completed by a medical professional, many breast problems are detected early and can be treated with success!

When should breast exams be done?
Self-Exams should be done monthly (remember to look and feel!!)
Exams by a medical professional should be done annually
Mammography should be done as follows:
Age 40-50 - every 1 to 2 years
Age 50 and older - annually
Any woman who has a mother, sister, or daughter, or more than one relative with breast or ovarian cancer
before menopause should have a mammogram every year.

Signs tolook for that may indicate a problem include a lump, swelling or redness, skin irritation, dimpling, pain, nipple discharge, nipple retraction (turning inward), and/or scaling of nipple or breast tissue. If you notice any of these conditions, please schedule an appointment with your women's health provider as soon as possible.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PAP SMEAR

Who should have a Pap smear done?ALL women who are or have been sexually active or have reached the age of twenty-one. This includes women who have had a hysterectomy.

Why is it important to have a Pap smear done annually?A Pap smear is the best tool to detect precancerous conditions or abnormalities of the cervix.

What about abnormal results?Abnormal results do not necessarily mean cancer. Other, more likely causes of abnormal results are decreased levels of estrogen, infection, or not enough cells obtained from the original smear.

What should you do to prepare for a Pap smear?Avoid sex, douching, and vaginal creams for forty-eight hours before a Pap smear.